Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Modeling is a business. Everyone pretty much knows this. A career in modeling--whether it's part-time, full-time, freelance or with agency representation--will involve many business relationships, resources and networking opportunities. Knowing how to conduct yourself business-wise will prove to be very useful in building and maintaining a successful modeling career. Besides making good business connections with photographers (they are one of the major players in the modeling game after all) it is vital that a model learn how to interact and maintain a working relationship with his/her agent and booker. If you are a model not signed with an agency, this most likely will not apply to you at this point in time, as you are actually your own booker. Agents and bookers in a nutshell are the folks who are responsible for getting you work. Sometimes people think the terms "agent" and "booker" mean the same thing but while they are similar in how they serv...

You don't have to have a model alias (a name that is different from your legal name given to you at birth). Models have an alias for different reasons: to distinguish their modeling career from their regular life, to keep their legal name secret from the public when it comes to stalkers, the press, etc. Some people call these model aliases "stage names," but that term is mostly used by those who work in the adult entertainment industry (aka: strippers and porn stars) so if you don't want people thinking that's the industry you're in, it's much safer to just say you have a "model alias." When creating a model alias, try not to be too creative. "White Dove" and "Mandy Bubbles" aren't very smart or attractive model aliases. You can mix and match your real first name with a different last name or whatever else inspires you.  But make sure it is appropriate and something that won't make a client raise his/her eye...

Okay, so I know that in many of my posts, I stress about not having to pay for a photographer, how great TFP/TFCDs are, etc. But that's the funny thing about this business. Anything goes and there is a pro and con to everything we are told to do or not do. So I just want to make a post justifying why it is okay to pay money for a photographer when doing a photo shoot . I'm not saying that all your photo shoots you do for portfolio building should be TFP/TFCD. These types of shoots, while they are free of charge and very beneficial to both parties, can also have a huge downside. For example, because there is often no model release form or other type of document involved, many models end up never receiving their CD or prints of images from the shoot. I've already discussed this annoying occurrence in a previous post about waiting for photos . Although there are MANY great photographers who do quality work and actually enjoy doing TFP/TFCD shoots, there are just...

Ah, how I love summer! This season is the time for any and all models to find plenty of work. My latest shoot was for a jewelry company's website. This was my first time being a parts model . It was actually the easiest shoot I had ever done! I arrived at the shoot a few minutes early (which is a very good habit I stress every model should adopt) and called the photographer, who was already there. She told me that her first model never showed up so she was thrilled that I was there. As harsh as it may sound, when other models fail or slack on their part, this is the time to shine and take the spotlight...but please do it discreetly. Still be professional and don't snicker to yourself and flaunt how much better you are than the other model, whether that person is present or not. It's tacky. We did three outfits (just the tops mattered obviously, since she was only shooting tight headshots), each with a different set of earrings, necklaces and bracelets. There...